"I was back home in Melbourne, Australia recently and dined at Cumulus Up which is the wine bar above Cumulus restaurant. Unpretentious knowledgeable service and perfectly executed food that were great pairings to what we were drinking. I love the food and wine scene in Melbourne." Sommelier Chris McPherson
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“I am in to new world Viognier. Floral and perfume aroma make it a great relaxing wine after a long day work. My recent favorite Viognier wines include: Darioush Signature Viognier, Jaffurs Viognier, and Cold Heaven Viognier.” Sommelier Alice Hama
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“Sherry is always a favourite at home, current pick is Valdespino Tio Diego Amontillado. The perfect complement for most of my late night takeout from the local hawker centre.” Sommelier Rajeshwaran Gopal
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(pronounced suh-mal-'yAy) In Medieval Provençal times they were saumaliers, animal pack drivers who evolved during Middle French kingdom to become court officials charged with transportation of supplies. So what does a modern day Sommelier actually do? Well, Wikipedia outlines as such, “A sommelier or wine steward is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, normally working in fine restaurants who specializes
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I’m a huge fan of Rhône varietals so I love to find different expressions throughout the world. One of my favourite wines to have guests try in the restaurant is a 2006 Syrah by Abadia Retuerta out of Sardón de Duero. Wes Guild, Sommelier & General Manager, Cut by Wolfgang Puck, Singapore
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"This August, I visited Central Otago and it is for sure one of the most beautiful regions I have ever seen. The mountains, lakes, scenery but, also the people, genuine fantastic hospitality." Michael Engelmann Head Sommelier Rockpool Bar & Grill, Sydney
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(pronounced suh-mal-'yAy) In Medieval Provençal times they were saumaliers, animal pack drivers who evolved during Middle French kingdom to become court officials charged with transportation of supplies. So what does a modern day Sommelier actually do? Well, Wikipedia outlines as such, “A sommelier or wine steward is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, normally working in fine restaurants who specializes
... read more >

"Their white, Le Blanc de Casot, delivered in the glass the same fragrance of the sea breeze and wild herbs I smelt along the way up and back. It was mind blowing." Sommelier Sara Bachiorri, Chez Bruce Restaurant, London
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From a lost play by Eubulos, (c.405 BC - c.335 BC)
‘For sensible men I prepare only three kraters (large vase used to mix wine): one for health (which they drink first), the second for love and pleasure, and the third for sleep. After the third one is drained, wise men go home.

The fourth krater is not mine any more - it belongs to bad behaviour; the fifth is for shouting; the sixth is for rudeness and insults; the seventh is for fights; the eighth is for breaking the furniture; the ninth is for depression; the tenth is for madness and unconsciousness.’

The Wandering Palate - Curtis Marsh
With nearly 30 years experience in the hospitality, wine and media industries, Curtis Marsh is one of the most erudite, passionate and truly independent wine writer, commentator and presenter in Asia.

"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read.

But the bitter truth we critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defence of the new.”

As uttered by the vitriolic restaurant critic Anton Ego, in the film “Ratatouille”, after his epiphany.